Heather Knight
Elmore Autauga News
The Investiture Ceremony was held today as CJ Robinson was appointed to District Attorney of the 19th Judicial District. That district covers Elmore, Autauga and Chilton County.
The ceremony was held at the Chilton County Courthouse with nearly 200 people in attendance.
Guests included judges, lawyers, sheriffs, Chief of Police and Mayors from several communities that have had the opportunity to work alongside Robinson over the last 16 years that he has served at the District Attorney’s office. For the past 10 years, Robinson has served as the Chief Deputy District Attorney.
“It’s been an honor to serve under (former District Attorney) Randall Houston,” Robinson said.
Welcome and Introduction was made by The Honorable Sibley Reynolds. A prelude and musical tribute was performed by Adam and Cala Marcus. Invocation was led by Rev. Jay Mims, Pledge of Allegiance led by Sgt. Randle Foshee, Devotional by Rev. Matt Debord, and Role of the District Attorney by Barry Matson, the Executive Director of The Alabama District Attorney’s Association.
Speakers of this event included John Sheron, Sheriff of Chilton County; Honorable Ben Fuller, Place 2 19thCircuit Judge; and Mandy Johnson, District Attorney’s Office Chief of Staff and Senior Assistant District Attorney.
“Even more than his hard work and dedication to his community and the law CJ has shown his dedication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his good works,” said Judge Fuller.
Robinson’s swearing in and Oath of Office was performed by the Honorable Rhonda Hardesty, Chilton County District Judge, Retired.
Robinson made closing remarks and included comments to his children saying, “Always pray for guidance and when the Lord speaks to you, listen.”
He also paid tribute to Jeff Cobb, his dear friend and investigator, that passed from cancer last year.
He paid honor to former District Attorneys Randall Houston and Janice Clardy Massa, who preceded him. Robinson presented them with a plaque bearing the names of other District Attorneys who served in the 19th Judicial District.
Robinson stated that while he was in law school, the best advice given is a constant reminder. On the outside of the law school a sign read, “School of Law”, not School of Justice.
“In many cases families will leave the courtroom feeling justice has been served on one side of this aisle and the other will feel it hasn’t. My job is to follow the law while I pursue justice,” said Robinson.
He spoke on how he believes that truth is fleeting. He told the crowd that every day, he is reminded innocence is lost, addiction is powerful, evil and perversion is accepted, and his heart is broken. “My job is to seek the truth and the truth never changes.”
